Baccarat - CRYSTAL
Baccarat, symbol of French luxury, is the story of a unique craft. Tasting glasses, vases, jewelery, sculptures, lighting, the Baccarat crystal glassworks, despite its long history, has consistently embodied the avant-garde.
BACCARAT CRYSTAL – JEWELRY, GIFT, DECORATIVE ITEMS :
BACCARAT CRYSTAL – JEWELRY, GIFT, DECORATIVE ITEMS, Founded in 1764 in a small village in Lorraine, the Baccarat crystal glassworks, despite its long history, has consistently embodied the avant-garde.
In Paris as in Nancy, the many exhibitions in which it participated were marvelous showcases for the creativity and skill of its craftsmen. From 1823 to 1849, it was awarded numerous gold medals for its innovations at successive editions of the National Exhibition of Industrial Products. This was the case in 1839, when the first colored pieces emerged from its furnaces. The crystal works shone again in 1855 at the first Universal Exhibition held in Paris: two candelabras more than 5 meters high and a majestic chandelier featuring 140 lights dazzled visitors, including Emperor Napoleon III! Here we recall some of the international events Baccarat participated in up to 1937 and which will forever remain landmarks in the history of “the crystal of kings”
Crystal of Baccarat : A style that keeps up with the times, fashions and artistic movements :
Although Baccarat for a long time remained attached to the formulas of the past, recreating pieces in the spirit of the 18th century, with a profusion of gilt bronze pieces. Baccarat always managed to adapt to the decorative arts movement in each era, except, perhaps in 1900 when Baccarat did not want to fully embrace Art Nouveau, apart from a few pieces such as the Nepenthes vase. The aim is to highlight all these different stylistic trends baccarat reinterpreted and brought back into fashion. The neo-classical style, for example, to create a link with history and keep in step with changing tastes. However, it is true that the manufactury was less involved in Art Nouveau, whereas other companies from Lorraine such as Daum and Gallé distinguished themselves in this movement. That said, Baccarat subsequently asserted its identity in the Art Deco movement.
Discover the luxury world of Baccarat, jewelry with the famous Psydelic collection. Decorative items with the new Eye collection, Louxor, crystal butterfly, but also the Baccarat glassware with the iconic Harcourt glasses.
It takes 15 years to master the techniques and tap the infinite possibilities for sculpting crystal. Today, Baccarat boasts the highest number of award-winning Best Crafts men in France, more than any other French luxury House.
♦ THE WORK OF HOT CRYSTAL :
The ancestral gestures are those of glass-making. Fashioned little by little, blown to the mouth for the appearance of the increasingly precise form of the final object. The master glassmaker worked with very simple tools: palette, pliers, and scissors. Hollow shapes allow the first phases of casting, revealing sides, grooves, diamond tips, etc.
Ironing his piece in the oven to prevent hardening of the material, the master glassmaker may add a handle or foot, from the molten dough. The piece then passes very slowly under the annealing arch where it is annealed and cooled very gradually so as not to undergo thermal shocks.
♦ THE WORK OF COLD CRYSTAL :
After the hot workshop follows the size and engraving workshops. The decoration is made by wheel engraving, in the diamond grindstone, with copper or stone discs, or with acid. In this case, a negative of the pattern is applied to the part, which will be coated with Judea bitumen, a mixture of wax and turpentine, then dipped in acid, which attacks the unprotected parts. The engraving thus obtained is most often decorated with gold, which requires a new cooking. After each size or engraving, the object must be polished, either by an acid bath, or by grinding with cork and then with wool.
♦ BACCARAT MUSEUM :
Baccarat is the story of a unique craft of its kind – of technical progress and artistic collaboration – the story of an entrepreneurial spirit, a symbol of world trade. This is the story of a city, a factory established in Lorraine, of a whole human community that has lived and grown in the surroundings.
Located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, the city of Baccarat has approximately 4500 inhabitants.
The Baccarat Crystal Museum, located at the heart of the production site of the factory, traces more than 250 years of history. It is a museum of private collection and emblematic pieces with the rarest objects, like a crystal armchair bought by a Maharajah.
The Baccarat Museum invites visitors to the grownups’ table. We discover the most prestigious services of the time. Visitors will be able to hear the perpetual buzz of the Baccarat kiln, which was never extinguished in a century, except during the Second World War.
♦ BACCARAT MUSEUM – PARIS :
Established American space in Paris since 2003, the Maison Baccarat offers a museum and a Baccarat shop showcasing the current collections.
The exhibition shows the timeless modernity of more than 350 pieces of the Heritage collection.
In an architectural style of the 19th century, the museum is located in the old Marie-Laure de Noailles mansion.
♦ BACCARAT STAMP :
Authenticating a real crystal is not easy. Recognizing a real Baccarat remains an unanswered question for many amateurs.
It is however relatively easy to recognize the productions of the Baccarat crystal. Indeed, whether an amateur or professional, this article details the evolution of the Baccarat signature over time.
Baccarat is one of the purest crystals in the world. With no less than 31.7% lead, the Baccarat crystal crosses generations while remaining the symbol of the French way of life.
The signature of Baccarat glasses is easily recognizable.
In order to check the authenticity of a Baccarat crystal, we invite you to look under the item, to verify its signature.
Each piece exiting the factory is signed, certifying its authenticity. Indeed, the trademark engraved by sandblasting is applied on all “Tableware and decoration” objects since 1971.
In 1990, the trademark was completed with the logo “Baccarat”. For some collection or collaboration, the signature of the designer was also applied: As for Mathias or Starck.
Thus, a round circle containing a carafe, a cup, and a glass is visible under the item. A red pendant engraved with the “B” Baccarat signs chandeliers since 1997.
♦ ICONIC BACCARAT ITEMS :
HARCOURT OUR-FIRE BACCARAT
The candelabra is made up of three sections: the base is a Harcourt candlestick, followed by a candleholder inspired by the form of Baccarat’s Harcourt glass, and finally a crystal lampshade with a glittering red or golden metallic finish. Light, filtered by the magic of crystal, flickers from the flame of the candle and turns into a magic glow. Also developed in black or white, each candleholder carries the « Baccarat by Starck » label.
More than 3400 “Our Fire” sold worldwide in 2008.
HARCOURT GLASS BACCARAT
The Harcourt 1841 collection, the oldest in the Baccarat archive, is reputed for its iconic design. Created in 1841, Harcourt stemware has been chosen by historical icons.
11000 glasses from the Harcourt collection sold worldwide in 2009.
CHATEAU BACCARAT GLASSES SET
Product that are included in this new box are Red & White Wine Tasting Glasses, the Champagne Flûte and tumbler n°2. A suitable gift packaging. The oenological glasses of Château Baccarat are revolutionary. Engineered to transform the tasting experience and elicit the most subtle aromas of wines and spirits, the Château Baccarat Collection is stunning and peerless.
85000 glasses from the Château Baccarat collection sold in 2012.
ROMANCE NECKLACE BACCARAT
The Romance crystal love heart necklace delicately sparkles with romantic beauty, showcasing the excellence of Baccarat craftsmanship.
